Microsoft Announces “Surface” – New Tablets To Hit Market Soon

I promise I don’t secretly work for Microsoft.  Really. Given the fact that today’s Snoo.ws entry will be the THIRD Microsoft post in a row, I know that it might be hard to believe.  But when you’re hot, you’re hot.  This week, Microsoft is hot.

On Sunday, we talked about the Xbox 720 leak (which, given today’s news – does it maybe seem staged perhaps as part of a PR scheme? Hmm. Food for thought…), yesterday I covered Bing’s new Social Search.

Today I’m here to chat about the thing everyone is abuzz with: Microsoft Surface, the newest line of tablets on the market.

The release of the Surface was announced yesterday and now the Internet is whirring with excitement, and well… with other emotions.  Apple die hards are already angry, 4Chan is already making memes (see below).  I felt inundated with Surface talk.

So.  What’s it all about?

With the second screen movement so huge, it’s no surprise that Microsoft wants to get into the game with a competitive tablet.  Usually, when you think of tablet, you think of iPad.  It’s become the industry standard in many respects; at least from a sales and marketing perspective – it’s certainly what other producers would love to experience.  Other tablets are out there, sure, but with varied success and followings.   HP’s tablet was a hit with users – but lack of development with webOS left users feeling abandoned.

The Surface’s big head-turning feature is its Xbox SmartGlass.   It’s not glass, it’s not a surface at all actually; (the name confuses) it’s an app to link up an Xbox console with mobile devices that are Windows based.  According to this article on CNN that explains SmartGlass in full, it can also, “by extension” link to a user’s TV. As I mentioned in the Xbox720 post on Sunday, Microsoft wants the Xbox to be the hub of the living room, with all electronic/web devices connecting into it: TV, computer, mobile, and more – can all link in and connect with the Xbox.

The “Surface RT” will be the first one available; 90 days later there will be a “Surface Pro” version for sale.

Surface RT tablet key specs:  (verbatim from CNET’s review)

• Windows RT operating system
• Nvidia ARM CPU
• 9.3mm thick
• 676 grams/23.85 ounces
• 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• 31.5 watt hour battery
• Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, micro HD video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Storage options: 32GB and 64GB for Windows RT
• Front and rear-facing “HD” cameras

Surface Pro tablet key specs:  (again verbatim from CNET)

• Windows 8 operating system
• Intel third-generation Core i CPU
• 13.5mm thick
• 903 grams/31.85 ounces
• 10.6-inch ClearType “Full HD” Display
• 42 watt hour battery
• Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort video
• Storage options: 64GB and 128GB
• Front and rear-facing “HD” cameras

Read CNET’s full review here to get more details and more info.    Prices are currently unavailable – but I’m sure we’ll have an idea of that sooner than later.  I’m also not sure about the exact release date, Microsoft is saying “in the fall.”  Given the timing of the second version coming out 90 days later, I’d assume that release will be in time for the holidays (that would make sense, right?).

So what do you think?  Excited?  Want one?  Holding steady to you iPad?

Image Sources:  Top Photo, CNET;  Meme, 9Gag